All Things Flaming C

The Great J-Feast has been molding his squad of veterans and future veterans into something beautiful.

The Flames have made another 14 deletions from the big club recently, most notably TJ Hooker Brodie, Joe Piscapo Piskula, Secret Agent Carter Bancks, Brendan-Don’t call me Meghan-Mikkelson, Christopher Reeves Breen, and Stefan-Weekend at Bernie’s-Meyer. As expected, Leland Irving and Joni Ortio will be tending the twine in Abbotsford. You can get a sense that the new GM is trying to either validate his trades of Robyn Regehr and Tim Erixon with keeping Paul Byron and Roman Horak in the mix. Fortunately, both have looked sharp. Matt Stajan will have his work cut out for him to not go the way of the Wade Reddens, Ales Kotaliks and other buried former superstars. (Playing in Edmonton is a completely different type of burial.)

Previewing the potential line combos is mundane yet so satisfying for the true fans. Injuries factor in, as well as suspensions, coupled with dogged play and coaching whims. But here’s how some see the Flaming C starting the season, lineup-wise.
Backlund between Tanguay and Sir Jarome.
Jokinen between Lee Stempniak and Bork Bork Bork!
Moss with Scoreface Glencross and Jack Jackman.
Probably Matty Stajan between Tom Kostopoulos and Hagman.
PL3 Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond has been Shanabanned for the start of the season, one game, but Nic Hagman’s strong offensive play may hopefully translate into a few snipes, and a continued presence in the lineup. This leaves Lance Romance Bouma, Paul Byron, Roman Horak, Guillaume Desbiens and a tweaked Brendan Morrison looking for a chance. Raitis Ivanans has also been cleared for action so perhaps his 12 months of NHL 11 on the Wii will give him the offensive insight to pitch in on the top line? Regardless it’s good to hear he is healthy from any standpoint.

Former Strathmore standout Jordan Henry and Ottawa farmhand Derek Smith are waiting in the wings to step in. Henry has been the surprise of the camp with his mistake-free play and rugged good looks. (Editor’s note- the looks anecdote may be fabricated.)

Kipper and The Calgary Tower Karlsson will be a solid duo with the GM saying he wants Miikka to play less games again this season. (Yes, we’ve been hearing that chortle for years.)

If their recent domination of the Capital District Islanders is any indication, the Flames are looking at a long and fortuitous season. While many have never heard of most of those Islanders in the lineup, one can not forget their rich tradition as they won the Cup 1980-83. That’s what made Tuesday’s game so pivotal. Nothing like generating a little confidence with one pre-season game left to go.

As training camp grinds to a close, J-Feast was kind enough to take any of the intrigue of the Flames 2011-12 season right out as he told the fine people of TSN that his studs fortunes have been determined.
TSN

Are the Flames going to make the playoffs?

J-Feast-

Yes.Write it down!

Oh well, at least we know we are set for the playoffs in April, and it will be fun seeing if they get home ice…!

Scooter Ramage

P.S. Jarome is going to be healthy as a Flaming Horse for the season opener versus the Penguins.

Comments

The most effective line in the pre-season was Moss-Jokinen-Glencross. Mosser and Glennie actually help Jokinen have an impact, why would Sutter break them up to start the year?

Not sure sending Byron to the farm and keeping Stajan in town is the right play. Byron is much more likeable but I suppose if you put Stajan on waivers some fool team would grab him, leaving us with even less to show for the Phaneuf deal (good riddance to that pos).